“I don’t need a doctor, Papa,” Louisa said. “I fainted, that’s all. I’m not ill.”
“But I’ve have never known you to faint before.” Grace sat beside her and took her hand. “You’re still awfully pale, and oh, my goodness, your hand is like ice.”
“I’m fine, Mama, truly. I just need a few minutes.” She regarded Maxwell again. “I can’t believe you’re here.”
“The result of unforeseen circumstances, but nothing to worry about.” He gave her a sympathetic smile. “And I’m in agreement with everyone else, love. The doctor should be called.”
Louisa shook her head. “I’m feeling better by the minute. By the time he gets here, I’ll be up and about, and he’ll have come for nothing.”
“Might you be anticipating, Lou?” Clara piped up.
“That’s what I was wondering,” Evie added. “Women are apparently prone to fainting when they are in a delicate condition.”
Maxwell’s stomach tightened. Could that be it? Was Louisa carrying his child? He did a quick calculation which left himdoubting. Her menses had not been that long ago. It was surely too soon, then, for such a symptom to manifest.
The dowager countess, Lady Hutton, banged her cane on the floor and scowled at the twins. “A little more decorum, if you please! I agree with your Mama and your husband, Louisa. The doctor should most definitely be called, if only to tell us that you’re in fine fettle. In the meantime, get yourself to bed. I’ll have some chamomile tea sent up to you.”
“But I swear I’m not ill, Grandmama,” Louisa said. “And neither am I anticipating, Clara. I was up very late last night, and I’m tired. I’m sure that’s all it is. I don’t deny I need to rest, and some chamomile tea would be very welcome, but please don’t bother calling the doctor. I assure you, it’s not necessary.”
Maxwell narrowed his eyes. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but for some reason, Louisa’s assurances didn’t quite ring true. She seemed, for want of a better word, distressed. Evidently, her mother thought so too.
“I’m not at all convinced,” Grace said. “I would prefer to have the doctor examine you, Louisa. No argument.”
Later that evening, after the doctor had declared Louisa free from any apparent affliction, Maxwell settled into bed beside her. Silhouetted in the soft glow of candlelight, she nestled against him, her voice notably silent.
“Tell me,” he murmured, gathering her close.
“Tell you what?”
“About whatever it is that’s troubling you.”
She fidgeted. “Nothing’s troubling me.”
He nuzzled her hair. “Well, you definitely have something on your mind.”
“It’s nothing, truly. Tell me about Glasgow and how come you managed to be here.”
Maxwell had the distinct impression that his being there actually took second place to whatever issue presently occupiedLouisa’s thoughts. He answered, nonetheless. “I’m here because I managed to deal with most of the important stuff in the first two days. The rest I left in Finlay’s hands. And also, our German associate never showed due to the fact that his elderly father passed away suddenly. We’ve rescheduled for another, shorter meeting with him a month from now.”
“Oh, I see,” Louisa murmured, her gaze aimed at the ceiling and a slight frown on her brow.
“I trust it’s been a good week here at Myddleton?”
Louisa continued to stare at the ceiling. “Mmm.”
“You’ve enjoyed yourself?”
“Uh huh.”
“Good.” He cleared his throat. “And by the way, I’m thinking of shaving my head. Be easier to manage. I can just give it a polish each morning. I trust having a bald husband won’t bother you.”
Louisa blinked, her frown deepening as she regarded him. “What?”
He gave her an amused look. “Did you hear anything of what I just said?”
“Yes, of course.” She wrinkled her nose. “Well, no, actually, not everything. Something about your German associate? Forgive me. My mind wandered.”
“Obviously, and I’d like to know where it went.”
